The New South is in no way mired in its plantation heritage. In fact, it's one of the fastest-growing and most rapidly changing regions of America. Here's a preview of some recent developments.
Charleston -- Media are belatedly discovering Palmer Home View, 5 East Battery (tel. 888/723-1574), which is being hailed by every organization from Travel & Leisure to the Travel Channel. It's been in operation since 1977, but major improvements have now made it one of the most desirable and most beautifully decorated B&Bs in Charleston, where the competition is keen. Guest rooms open onto panoramic views of Charleston Harbor.
The dining scene is better than ever with the opening of Fig, 232 Meeting St. (tel. 843/805-5900), which manages to secure some of the area's best produce in any season. Chef Mike Lata fashions dishes into imaginative creations such as Swiss chard ravioli with crunchy walnuts. The gastropub has arrived in Charleston with the opening of the Red Drum, 803 Coleman Blvd. (tel. 843/849-0313), which lies outside the Mount Pleasant town center. The American/Southwestern cuisine is among the city's very best -- just wait until you sample the free-range chicken with barbecued sweet potatoes and caramelized pumpkin seeds.
Columbia -- The largest children's museum in the South, EdVenture, 211 Gervais St. (tel. 803/779-3100), describes itself as a "turbo-charged learning and fun" center. Here kids can do everything from learning about money to attending family-friendly musical productions.
